Clifford's eye problems update

Clifford the big dog

Clifford the big dog

New member
For those that missed the first couple of posts I'll give a quick review.
About a month ago Clifford had trouble seeing one night and was totally blind the next morning, took him to my vet than sent to a dog opthamologist. He did lots of tests and charged lots of money and still doesn't know what is wrong. Also saw the neurologist who also doesn't know what is wrong and thought his walk was a little off. I don't think she is familar with the Newfie/bear uncoordinated looking walk. A day after he started on antibiotics and prednisone sight came back to one eye.
Last Sunday I noticed the white part of his eyeball in the blind eye was swollen, back to the opthamologist. He's about an hour away in Toronto. He still doesn't know what's wrong, put him back on more prednisone. His best guess at this time is a brain tumor. He's interested in doing an ultra sound, although doesn't really think that will show anything and cost $1716. Or an MRI which would show if there was a tumor, cost $2058. My problem with this is if they find a tumor they would have to operate to know if it was benign or cancerous and I don't want them operating on Clifford's head. If it shows no tumor than it would be $2000+ just to know that.
My current thinking is to just keep him on the prednisone for the swelling and hope it never amounts to more than the loss of vision in the one eye.
Any thoughts on MRI's and such would be appreciated.
 
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Angela

Angela

Super Moderator
That's hard.
My Lab Sophie had an MRI when she started to experience weakness in the rear. It cost around $2000.00. The results were inconclusive and eventually she had something similar to degenerative myelopathy, but the MRI didn't show anything.

Is he in pain? Can he function OK with the limited vision? Personally if he were mine I would do as you said, keep him on Prednisone and hope, especially if his quality of life is good apart from the vision.
 
Clifford the big dog

Clifford the big dog

New member
No pain, his eye doesn't itch or anything. He's his same happy self, even loves going to the vet.
It's not just the money. I would sell my car and house if I needed to keep him healthy. I'm just not sure the MRI would help him at all.
 
ardeagold

ardeagold

New member
Oh...that's a tough one. If they did find something, yet you wouldn't agree to surgery, I agree that there's no point in doing the MRI.

I'd talk to my Vet about it. They're the ones who know you and your dog best. Mine is always straight with me, and gives great advice.

I'm the type who would do exactly what you're doing. I'd just want my dog to be comfortable, unless they could give me a good reason for continuing to search for a cause.

Did the Ophthalmologist mention removing the eye? Just curious. Did he give you ANY thoughts at all? Why does he think it's a brain tumor? If it IS a tumor, did he have any thoughts as to what kind? Where? Or how removing it would impact Clifford?
 
padkins

padkins

New member
:hugs: Oh no, hate to hear this news. That really puts you in a bad position, doesn't it? I would ask the vet about what type of tumor they suspect and see what the options might be. Is there another vet where you can get a second opinion? I think that you are just going to have to research and get lots more information before you can make the best decision for Clifford and for you. We are here to support you. :hugs:
 
Erika

Erika

New member
Im with you.........get more info..is there maybe a forum for this kind of eye condition/ If he is fine and your fine with it go with your heart

I love Clifford
 
twright1231

twright1231

New member
Nothing to add here, except I'm sorry for these tough choices you have to make. Sounds like getting another opinion would help.
 
W

wrknnwf

Active member
My old dog Yogi, now gone, had a large benign tumor in one eye. I could see it in the pupil. He had that eye removed and did quite well. It was very upsetting for me at first, because I always loved his beautiful, soulful eyes, but he was still the sweetest, grandest dog ever.
 
DAWNMERIE

DAWNMERIE

Active member
Clifford honey, I'm thinkin of ya today! I say mom has to give you a great big wet kiss right on the kisser....from me!
 
Cascadians

Cascadians

New member
Sorry to read this. Very difficult when one pays for vets and specialists and they're stumped. Extremely scary to hear "possible brain tumor." Research all the signs and symptoms of possible brain tumor. Praying for you and Clifford. Glad he is happy!
 
Clyde

Clyde

New member
I don't have experience with this, but if he is not in pain, and there is no pressure in the eyes, that's the main thing. But perhaps a low dose of pred for a longer period. It may just go back to normal. If things improved with pred, I would keep him on it but not a high dose. I wish I could contribute more, but all I know, is the mri won't actually cure him. Just probably cost you. I would absolutely get a second opinion, by an expert that is highly recommended. I am really sorry you are in this position. Main thing is he is not in pain or distress. GOOD LUCK. -Michelle
 
Joan Fisher

Joan Fisher

New member
So sorry to hear about Clifford. Our Bonnie developed glaucoma after a wasp sting. She became blind almost right away in that eye. We used drops to try and keep the pressure down so she wouldn't experience pain for around 6 weeks. It didn't work. She then had surgery to remove the eye - $5000.00 all told. I'm assuming they have checked Clifford's pressures. The ophthalmologist could never believe Bonnie's pressures were so high because she would come in wagging her tail and go to greet him, but I knew she was in pain because at home she kept retreating to a dark room in the basement. Normally she would never be out of our sight.
 
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